Conceptual Transparency Research Articles

Body and mind: Decoding the dynamics of pedestrians and the effect of smartphone distraction by coupling mechanical and decisional processes

Pedestrians are able to anticipate, which gives them an edge in avoiding collisions and navigating in cluttered spaces. However, these capabilities are impaired by digital distraction through smartphones, a growing safety concern. To capture these features, we put forward a continuous agent-based model (dubbed ANDA) hinging on a transparent delineation of a decision-making process, wherein a desired velocity is selected as the optimum of a perceived cost, and a mechanical layer that handles contacts and collisions. Altogether, the model includes less than a dozen parameters, many of which are fit using independent experimental data. The versatility of ANDA is demonstrated by numerical simulations that successfully replicate empirical observations in a very wide range of scenarios. These scenarios vary from collision avoidance involving one, two, or more agents, to collective flow properties in unidirectional and bidirectional settings, and to the dynamics of evacuation through a bottleneck, where contact forces are directly accessible. Remarkably, the model is able to replicate the enhanced chaoticity of the flow observed experimentally in ’smartphone-walking’ pedestrians, by reducing the frequency of decisional updates, replicating the digital distraction effect. The conceptual transparency of the model makes it easy to pinpoint the origin of its current limitations and to clarify the singular position of pedestrian crowds amid active-matter systems.

Data Transparency Design in Internet of Things: A Systematic Review

Data transparency plays a critical role in understanding IoT privacy practices and making informed decisions. To gain a comprehensive understanding of transparency in the IoT environment, a systematic literature review of 58 academic articles is conducted to investigate the progress and status of existing data transparency studies from a design perspective. Data transparency was identified as a signifier to bridge the connection between user behavior and privacy risks. The level of transparency achieved was shaped by users’ privacy perceptions, which in turn influenced their privacy behavior. GUI-based transparency design has been widely used in IoT, but it is not sufficient to provide users with accessible, understandable, and unified transparency information. A conceptual transparency design is proposed based on the extracted design opportunities and practices. This paper provides an important resource on transparency issues in the IoT environment, and will benefit the design and computer science communities.

Phasal polarity in Tunisian Arabic

This paper gives a corpus-based descriptive account of the phasal polarity system (still, already, not yet, and no longer) in the Arabic vernacular of Tunisia. The aim is to broaden the empirical foundations for cross-linguistic research in this domain, and to narrow the gap between typologically oriented and philological research on Arabic varieties. Like many languages (van Baar 1997: 118), Tunisian Arabic has autochthonous expressions for the three concepts still, not yet, and no longer. still is primarily expressed via a construction < ‘has not ceased’. Despite its conceptual transparency, this appears to be a cross-linguistically uncommon source. not yet is expressed via the inner negation of still, and no longer via a construction < ‘has not repeated’. For already, northern sedentary varieties have borrowed from French (replacing an older autochthonous expression), whereas southern Bedouin varieties have a “gap” in their system. The description further includes notes on the synchronic and diachronic variation of individual items, and functions of these outside the realm of phasal polarity.

Does Conceptual Transparency in Manipulatives Afford Place-Value Understanding in Children at Risk for Mathematics Learning Disabilities?

We investigated the effect of conceptual transparency in the physical structure of manipulatives on place-value understanding in typically developing children and those at risk for mathematics learning disabilities. Second graders were randomly assigned to one of three manipulatives conditions: (a) attachable beads that did not make the denominations or ones in the denominations transparent, (b) pipe cleaners that made only the denominations transparent, and (c) string beads that made both the denominations and the ones in the denominations transparent. Participants used the manipulatives to represent double- and triple-digit numerals. Statistical analyses indicated that the transparency of the denominations, but not the transparency of the ones in the denominations, is responsible for children's number representation and place-value understanding. Descriptive analyses of their responses revealed that the at-risk children were at a greater disadvantage than their typically developing peers with the attachable beads, failing to use place-value concepts to interpret their representations.

A Systematic Review of Leadership Styles in Organizations: Introducing the Concept of a Task-Relationship–Change Leadership Network

Despite the leadership literature involving a spread spectrum of relevant frameworks to explain leadership behaviors, there is still an ever-increasing demand for more conceptual transparency in leadership styles, characteristics, and their impacts on members and organizations. This study aims to systematically review and identify all the leadership styles and presents a leadership network of all styles based on the seven steps proposed by Scaringella and Radziwon [2018] . A total of 59 articles were consequently selected according to the protocols and then the predominant leadership styles, as well as their characteristics, were investigated and classified in terms of the three criteria namely “task”, “relationship”, and “change” and a [Formula: see text] leadership network was created covering retrogressive and passive leadership (frame 1.1), authentic and exchange-oriented leadership (frame 9.1), influential and transactional leadership (frame 1.9), transformational leadership (frame 9.9), and balanced leadership (frame 5.5). The proposed network indeed coherently covers all the leadership styles reviewed and presents a framework for shifting towards transformational leadership. This network should be viewed as a coherent entirety and all the six leadership concepts including training, behaviors, culture, competencies, succession, and evaluation need to be taken into consideration.

Dynamic Capabilities Affecting the Functioning of E-Administration in Polish Public Admistration Entities

Purpose: Dynamic capabilities are an intended strategy for implementing changes in public sector organizations to execute the organizations' tasks effectively. The paper's main objective is to identify the dynamic capabilities affecting e-administration functioning and the determinants of the capabilities' formation, aimed at establishing and then verifying a conceptual model. Design/Methodology/Approach: The proper study was focused on Polish Public Administration entities that provide electronic administrative services. The sample consisted of 634 entities. The data collection was conducted with the use of the CAWI method. The verification of the assumptions was conducted through a series of confirmatory factor analyses using the modeling of structural equations based on the SEM-CB and SEM-PLS methods. Findings: As a result of the conducted research, it was ascertained that dynamic capabilities (especially knowledge absorption and application) affect e-administration effects and that culture, structure, and technology affect dynamic capabilities. The contextualization of dynamic capabilities allowed for broadening the knowledge on the conditions of their use and the possibilities of their impact on e-administration effects. Originality/value: Despite assigning many potential benefits to dynamic capabilities, the knowledge about their impact on the effects of e-administration functioning is surprisingly narrow. The obtained results lead to conceptual transparency concerning the dependency between dynamic capabilities (knowledge absorption, conversion, and application) and the effects of e-administration functioning, considering the dynamic capabilities' determinants.

A Simple Solution to Trivial Crossings: A Stochastic State Tracking Approach.

We present a new state tracking algorithm based on a stochastic state reassignment that reflects the quantum mechanical interpretation of the state time-overlaps. We assess the new method with a range of model Hamiltonians and demonstrate that it yields the results generally consistent with the deterministic min-cost algorithm. However, the stochastic state tracking algorithm reduces magnitudes of the state population fluctuations as the quantum system evolves toward its equilibrium. The new algorithm facilitates the thermalization of quantum state populations and suppresses the population revivals and oscillations near the equilibrium in many-state systems. The new stochastic algorithm has a favorable computational scaling, is easy to implement due to its conceptual transparency, and treats various types of state identity changes (trivial or avoided crossings and any intermediate cases) on equal footing.

Explanatory stories of human perception and behavior in buildings

This paper is motivated by a perceived disconnect between standards and guidelines for supporting building design and operation professionals on the one hand and contemporary fundamental research findings in pertinent human sciences. In other words, the plethora of recent highly detailed studies do not appear to have been crystalized into versatile explanatory theories accessible to practice-oriented professionals in the building delivery process. In fact, to locate instances of high-level and intuitively comprehensible explanatory models of human perception and behavior, one may need to revert back to intellectual traditions originated as far back as in late nineteenth century. A review of a number of such explanatory models suggests that they display, despite their differences in levels of detail and degrees of sophistication, a few recurrent motifs. To revisit these models is rewarding not only from the historical point of view. Their conceptual transparency has arguably the potential to inspire the development of a new generation of accessible high-level explanatory theories of human perception and behavior.

How to Restructure PPDRC and MIRC According to DOLCE

Abstract The use of ontologies in information systems for engineering applications calls for ontologies representing experts’ knowledge in a principled and robust manner. The work we present in the paper brings together, on the one hand, two ontologies developed for the engineering domain, namely PPDRC and MIRC and, on the other hand, the DOLCE foundational ontology. The former two have been developed by taking DOLCE as reference model for distinguishing between the high-level entities they quantify over. However, the relation with DOLCE calls for improvements. The ultimate purpose of the paper is to show how the conceptual transparency of domain ontologies can be enhanced by (properly) using a foundational ontology.

Internet gaming disorder: more questions on a new diagnosis

This commentary is on the invited review by Paulus et al. on pages 645–659 of this issue. The first clinical reports on patients showing an excessive and uncontrolled preoccupation with online activities were published in the 1990s. Research on this phenomenon, often called internet addiction, grew rapidly and encompassed different types of internet-based activities (e.g. gaming, social media use, online pornography, etc.). In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association included ‘Internet Gaming Disorder’ (IGD) as a preliminary diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).1 The World Health Organisation has now defined it as a fully recognized diagnosis in the 11th Revision of the Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).2 While these steps have generally been approved by clinicians and professionals, there have also been more cautious responses.3 The main issues concerned the nature of the diagnostic criteria for assessing IGD. Specifically, it called for a higher standard of diagnostic evidence and of conceptual transparency. One major task for the future is to consolidate the diagnostic framework for IGD with methodologically sound empirical studies. Such high-quality studies are desperately needed to evaluate the criteria's diagnostic validity in children and adolescents. It might well be that there are age-specific differences (e.g. in criteria like withdrawal or tolerance), but at present this assumption is more a vague idea than a proven fact. Yet there is almost no doubt that IGD poses a serious mental health problem. Numerous empirical studies have demonstrated significant associations between IGD and psychopathology, poorer physical health status, decreased psychosocial functioning, and lowered psychological well-being.4 Given that about 2% to 5% of adolescents are affected by IGD, this comprises a clear call for action. Other aspects of IGD remain a matter of debate, especially regarding the dynamics involved in its etiology. Following the excellent depiction by Paulus et al.,4 it is now evident that IGD should be considered as a highly complex phenomenon. A difficult interplay between variables (psychological, sociological, and neurobiological) is believed to play a crucial part in turning a mere recreational activity into a mental health issue. Unfortunately, research on risk factors has been mostly characterized by explorative approaches so far; thus, the time has come to integrate and validate these findings. We need to learn more about crucial turning points, with direct relevance for prevention and early intervention strategies. As with other behaviours that can become addictive, computer gaming is presumed to be a continuum ranging from innocuous or controlled use, to excessive and even disordered use. The identification of factors forming this transition is another key element for preventing IGD. So where do we stand right now? Clinical research has shown that IGD is now part of our reality and that the negative consequences of excessive gaming cannot be ignored. Despite all the scepticism, the DSM-5 has provided a meaningful (albeit preliminary) diagnostic framework for assessing this new clinical phenomenon. ICD-11 will also contribute a foundation from which health care professionals can face this new challenge. What is particularly needed now are more in-depth and theory-driven empirical studies to sharpen our knowledge and understanding of IGD, especially with regards to its etiology and effective treatment. The latter has been initiated, as can be seen in a current review4 and the first randomized controlled trials on the effects of psychotherapeutic interventions.5

Another Letter Long Delayed

This paper is an effort toward conceptual transparency around toxic inclusivity in academic feminism and the kinds of care it lacks toward, what amounts to, bad knowledge production practices. In this paper, we claim that some of the forms of reductive inclusion that ought to be avoided are epistemologically unsound practices that propagate disempowering, false, and/or distortive messages about targets of inclusion. We take reductive inclusion to be inclusion that treats the targets of inclusion as plot devices and/or as means to a narrative end. These practices should be avoided in order to work toward a range of coalitional possibilities between differently situated populations with social justice aims. Moreover, we are concerned with making clear that toxic inclusion is a type of bad scholarship. The reductive inclusions to avoid articulated in this paper are (1) interpolation and (2) ossification. Interpolation involves executing “inclusion” with formal, instead of substantive, overtures. Ossification, however, establishes parasitic relations of inclusion that present a skeleton of one’s targets for inclusion that reduces whole groups to serve the purpose of the narrator. Through a discussion of Audre Lorde’s “An Open Letter to Mary Daly” (1979), we explain Lorde’s brilliant and succinct critique of Daly as exemplifying interpolation and ossification. Ultimately, this paper adds to diverse Black feminist literatures on effective coalitions and gestures toward potential rules for engagement across difference in our story telling.

The origin of consciousness and beyond

The origin of consciousness and beyond

A review of conceptual transparency in US and Colombian seismic design building codes

The goal of re-examinination of seismic design codes is aimed at making their provisions as transparent as possible for users so that the design would be clear and enriching for structural engineers. This paper presents a transparency evaluation of the codes currently being used in the USA and Colombia for seismic design of buildings. It is demonstrated that the procedures used in most codes do not offer a clear view of buildings' seismic response assessment. The Colombian code should become as conceptually transparent as possible when defining strength modification factors and assessing maximum lateral displacement. In addition, at least two limit states (service and life safety) should be clearly defined, along with allowable story drift thereby better reflect expected structural performance. Otherwise, using current procedures could lead not only to interpretation errors but also inadequate estimation of seismic strength and deformation demands.

Whither pogromshchina – historiographical synthesis or deconstruction?1

This historiographical discussion piece on the implication of Simon Petliura and the Directory in the pogroms during the ill‐fated struggle for Ukrainian independence between 1917 and 1920 focuses on four core issues. Firstly, it suggests that those committed to the current Ukrainian nation‐building agenda face a crucial paradox: for the Directory’s endeavours to qualify as a precedent in nation building, one has to talk up its ability to influence the developments in the territory under its control. Yet to get Petliura and the Directory off the hook as far as the pogroms are concerned, one has to talk down their ability to influence those same developments. Secondly, it fundamentally questions the juxtaposition of “Ukrainian” and “Jewish” approaches on which Henry Abramson’s claim to have achieved a new synthesis between these two positions hinges. Thirdly, it demonstrates just how crucial conceptual transparency is for any useful debate on the significance of antisemitism in this context. Finally, it revisits the contention that it is a priori implausible to hold Petliura and his colleagues responsible because their attitudes towards Jews were generally positive as demonstrated not least by their commitment to Jewish autonomy rights.

A literary work – Translation and original

The focus of this paper lies on the translatability of a literary work of art. The phenomenon is approached as a conceptual challenge subsumed under the questionCan the identity of a literary work of art be retained when the work is translated?Since the question of translatability as posed here belongs to the realm of philosophy of art, the problematic nature of ‘original’, ‘translation’ and ‘identity’ is discussed first in the theoretical context of analytic philosophy. I then consider the issue within the framework of Translation Studies. By showing the definitional diversity the necessity of contextual embedding and theoretical explicitness is highlighted. A genuine exchange of ideas and views, between and within disciplines, presupposes conceptual transparency.

Root infinitives in Dutch early child language: an effect of input?

Children who acquire Dutch as their first language show a strong preference for using infinitival verb forms during the early stages of grammatical development. This exemplifies the 'root infinitive' (RI) phenomenon, which has played a significant role in recent discussions on the development of syntax. Most accounts proposed thus far invoke an immaturity of the child's grammatical competence. We explore the possibility that the early predominance of infinitival forms is related to patterns in the language input. We analysed a corpus of utterances addressed by two Dutch-speaking mothers to their two- to three-year old sons. Root infinitive utterances amounted to 10%, and auxiliary-plus infinitive main verb constructions, which in terms of word order are maximally similar to RIs, constituted 30% of all verb-containing utterances. These figures render an account in terms of exposure to utterance structures unlikely. There is a moderate (but significant) correlation between frequency of occurrence of individual verb forms in the input and age of acquisition. However, infinitive verb forms are often acquired earlier than their input frequency would predict, and this may be related to an overall increased salience, due to their systematic appearance in sentence-final position and their relatively high conceptual transparency as compared to finite verbs.

Meanings of Skill: Effects of Abacus Expertise on Number Representation

Research on expertise has focused on the amount and organization of domain-relevant knowledge as the key feature distinguishing experts from novices. The representations of experts are described as being more functionally organized as well as more detailed than those of novices. There are two different senses in which knowledge could become more functionally organized with expertise. The knowledge of experts could become more functionally organized with respect to the execution of skill, or their knowledge could become more functionally oriented with respect to contexts broader than their particular skill. Abacus skill provides a domain in which these two alternatives can be evaluated. The first alternative, conceptual determination by skill, implies that abacus experts' representations of numbers should emphasize the features that are functional in their calculation strategies. The second alternative, conceptual transparency, implies that experts should not emphasize abacus-specific features when judging similarity of numbers, giving less weight than novices to abacus features when judging abacus representations and no more weight than novices to abacus features when judging numerals. Conceptual transparency occurs when those features important in performing a skill are judged to be of little significance in understanding the skill. Number similarity judgments of abacus experts and novices from Taiwan and American children of comparable ages indicted that abacus skill was associated with a deemphasis of those features that are unique to the abacus. Implications of the phenomenon of conceptual transparency for models of skill development are discussed.